crossword clue slack – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "crossword clue slack," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive solutions to help you complete your puzzle with ease. Below, you'll find all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations.
Solutions for "crossword clue slack" by Letter Count
3 Letters
LAX: Not sufficiently strict, severe, or careful; careless.
4 Letters
IDLE: Not active or in use; doing nothing.
SLOW: Moving or operating, or designed to move or operate, at a low speed; not quick or rapid.
EASE: Absence of difficulty or effort.
5 Letters
LOOSE: Not firmly or tightly fixed in place; detached or able to be detached.
BAGGY: (Of clothes) hanging loosely because of being too big or having been stretched.
RELAX: Make or become less tense or rigid.
6 Letters
REMISS: Lacking in attention to duty; negligent.
LIMPLY: In a way that lacks stiffness or firmness.
RECESS: A period of time when an activity is temporarily stopped.
7 Letters
LENIENT: More merciful or tolerant than expected; not strict.
8 Letters
DOWNTIME: Time during which a machine, especially a computer, is out of action or unavailable for use; time when one is not working or active.
More About "crossword clue slack"
The word "slack" is a versatile term in the English language, and this versatility is often exploited in crossword puzzles. When you encounter "slack" as a clue, it can refer to several distinct concepts. Primarily, it often denotes a lack of tension or firmness, as in a "slack rope" or "slack muscles." In this context, answers like LOOSE or BAGGY are common. Another frequent interpretation relates to a lack of effort, diligence, or strictness, leading to answers such as LAX, REMISS, or IDLE.
Beyond physical and behavioral interpretations, "slack" can also describe a period of reduced activity or a lull, often seen in phrases like "slack season" or "picking up the slack." This might point to answers like RECESS or DOWNTIME. Crossword setters love words with multiple meanings, as they allow for clever misdirection and require solvers to think about context and wordplay. Always consider the precise nuance the setter might be hinting at when you see "slack" in a clue.
Understanding these different facets of "slack" is key to unlocking the puzzle. Pay attention to any accompanying words in the clue that might narrow down the meaning, such as "slack period" versus "slack rope." The number of letters in the grid is also your best friend in determining the most probable answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Synonyms Broadly: For clues like "slack," think beyond the most obvious synonyms. Words can have multiple meanings, and crossword setters often target less common but still valid interpretations.
- Check Letter Count First: Before brainstorming, always look at the number of available squares. This immediately narrows down the possibilities and helps you focus on words of the correct length.
- Use Crossing Letters: Don't try to solve a difficult clue in isolation. Filling in easier intersecting words will provide crucial letters for the harder ones, often making the solution to "slack" obvious.
- Think About Homophones/Puns: Sometimes, "slack" might be part of a pun or refer to a homophone (though less common for this specific word). Always be open to wordplay if the direct meaning isn't yielding results.
- Review Common Crossword Tropes: Many words, including "slack," have common crossword answers associated with them. Familiarize yourself with these frequent pairings to speed up your solving process.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'slack' typically mean in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'slack' often refers to something loose, not tight, lazy, or a period of reduced activity. Common synonyms like 'lax,' 'idle,' 'loose,' or 'remiss' are frequently used as answers.
How can I determine the correct length for a 'slack' clue?
The length of the answer is always indicated by the number of squares in the crossword grid. For clues like 'slack,' check the grid to see if it's 3 letters for LAX, 4 for IDLE, 5 for LOOSE, or another length entirely. The context of other crossing words also helps confirm the correct answer.
Are there multiple meanings for 'slack' in crosswords?
Yes, 'slack' is a versatile word. It can mean: 'loose' (as in rope), 'lazy' or 'negligent' (as in 'cutting slack' or 'slack performance'), or a 'period of reduced activity' (as in 'slack season'). Each interpretation can lead to different answers, so consider the clue's precise nuance.
Is "Slack" (the communication app) ever a crossword answer?
While less common than the general meaning, as technology terms become more mainstream, "SLACK" (uppercase as a proper noun) could appear as an answer if the clue specifically refers to the communication platform (e.g., "Team communication app" or "Online workplace message board"). In such cases, the answer would be 5 letters.